Generally, it takes two to three hours to reach North Dhaka from the south end or vice versa because of the enormous traffic jams. With the Dhaka Elevated Expressway now open, Dhaka residents can expect quicker North-South commutes, reducing travel times to 10-15 minutes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled the project on 2nd September, symbolizing a significant step towards reducing traffic woes and improving connectivity in the capital city.

Inauguration and route

The Dhaka Elevated Expressway stretches over 19.73 kilometers, starting from Kaula near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and following the rail line route through Tejgaon, Maghbazar, Kamalapur, and onwards to Kutubkhali near Jatrabari along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.

The opening ceremony took place from Kaula to Tejgaon, with the entire route set to open for general traffic starting at 6:00 AM on Sunday, 3rd September.

The remaining section from Tejgaon to Kutubkhali is expected to open in June 2024.

Expressway details

The expressway, including ramps, spans a total length of 46.73 kilometers and features 11 toll plazas. Once fully operational, it is expected to take only 20 minutes for a vehicle to traverse its entire length. The journey from Kaula to Tejgaon will be reduced to just 12 minutes.

Funding and construction

The Bangladesh Bridges Division is spearheading this massive project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The division provided the necessary land, ensured rehabilitation of displaced persons, and funded consultants.

Notably, companies from Thailand and China have played a pivotal role in construction, covering 73% of the costs, with Bangladesh contributing the remaining 27%.

As per the contract, these investing companies will recoup their capital investment and profit from toll collection over 25 years, after which the expressway will be handed over to the Bangladesh government.

The project comprises two components: the main construction work and affiliated expenses. 

The main construction is estimated at Tk 89.40 billion, with the government covering Tk 24.13 billion, while the investing firms finance the remainder.

The government shoulders the entire cost of land acquisition, rehabilitation, and consultant expenses, estimated at Tk 49.17 billion. The combined cost of both projects stands at Tk 138.57 billion.

Project progression:

The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project commenced in 2009. However, In 2011, an agreement was inked with Thailand’s Italthai company, marked by the prime minister’s foundation stone laying ceremony in April. Originally planned for completion in three and a half years, which was set for 2016, the project faced five deadline extensions due to a funding crisis.

Later, Italthai incorporated two Chinese firms, Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Sinohydro Corporation, and in 2017, handed over its 49% share in 34% and 14%, respectively.

The project’s estimated cost has also increased from Tk 87.03 billion to Tk 160.007 billion, including taxes and VAT.

In March 2019, a credit agreement of USD 461 million was signed with China Exim Bank, supplemented by an additional USD 400 million loan from the Industrial Commercial Bank of China, totaling USD 861 million. The project gained momentum upon the involvement of Chinese firms and the use of bank loans.

Toll rates revealed

Toll rates for using the Dhaka Elevated Expressway have been disclosed by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader. The fees vary depending on the vehicle type;

• Private cars, microbuses (<16 seats), and mini-trucks (<3 tonnes): Tk 80
• Medium-sized trucks (up to 6 wheels): Tk 320
• Large trucks with more than 6 wheels: Tk 400
• Buses and minibuses with 16 or more seats: Tk 160

Motorcycles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, three-wheelers, and bicycles are prohibited on the expressway.

The speed limit on the expressway is initially set at 60 km/h, slightly lower than the design speed of 80 km/h.

As the first section of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway opens to the public, it marks a significant achievement in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and promises to bring relief to commuters while bolstering economic growth in the region.